Salkilld Strangles Gamrot In Stunning UFC Vegas 120 Upset

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | By Tom Rashid | Last updated Aug 9, 2026 2:00 AM ET

Quillan Salkilld forced Mateusz Gamrot to tap with a first-round rear-naked choke at UFC Vegas 120 on Saturday night, announcing himself as a legitimate lightweight threat in the most unexpected way.

The 26-year-old Australian clipped Gamrot with a short left hook early in the opening frame, per MMA Mania, prompting the Polish grappling specialist to shoot for a takedown. Salkilld reversed position multiple times and got back to his feet, then turned the tables by scoring his own takedown on Gamrot. He advanced to back mount and locked in the choke at 4:25 of the first round, handing Gamrot only the second submission loss of his career.

Salkilld's Ground Game Shocks Lightweight Division

The finish stunned observers who expected Gamrot to control the grappling exchanges. Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad wrote that the lightweight division has another contender, while MMA pundit Brendan Schaub called Salkilld "a MONSTER" who "looked elite and ready for top 3 in the division," as MMA Fighting reported. Gamrot threatened a heel hook during the scrambles but could not finish the hold before Salkilld established dominance on top.

The victory extended Salkilld's winning streak to 12 fights overall and six straight in the UFC, with four consecutive finishes. Gamrot entered the main event at Meta Apex in Las Vegas having won three of his past five bouts.

Salkilld now sits on the edge of the lightweight top five with a finish over a longtime contender who had rarely been submitted. The UFC has not announced his next opponent.

Original reporting:

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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